Author: Josh Hughes

Recreational Marijuana Legalization, Drug Testing Trends, and Considerations for Employers

Minnesota is now the 23rd state (in addition to Washington D.C. and Guam) to legalize recreational marijuana in some form or another. Minnesota joins a growing list of states taking action on marijuana policy. With nearly half of the states now permitting adult-use of marijuana, what trends and laws should employers consider when revising or adopting drug testing policies? To...

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The NLRB Reverses Course (again) on Employee Outbursts and Protected Concerted Activity

What happens when an employee starts yelling at the boss, makes profane social media posts about work, or engages in other “abusive conduct?”  In many cases, employers can follow their own policy and impose discipline if appropriate.  But, where profanity and heated outbursts come up in the context of complaints about the terms and conditions of the employee’s job, the...

What Information is Off-Limits for Utah Employers Under the New Vaccine and Immunity Passport Restrictions Act?

What Information is Off-Limits for Utah Employers Under the New Vaccine and Immunity Passport Restrictions Act?

The Utah Legislature recently passed, and the Governor signed, The Vaccine and Immunity Passport Restrictions Act (“the Act”). This bill prohibits the use of vaccination or immunity status in public accommodations, governmental entities, and for employment decisions. Utah now follows Montana in prohibiting employment discrimination based on vaccine status. With such a small number of states taking this approach—and with...

What Obligations do Employers have to Provide Employees with Time off to Vote?

With the 2022 midterm elections fast approaching, and sky-high interest in voting this election cycle, more employers than ever may be considering their obligations to provide employees time off to vote.  As it stands, 29 states require employers to provide some kind of voting leave.  But with the rise in popularity of mail and early voting during the pandemic taking...